A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nanjing vs. Auckland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Auckland?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nanjing or Auckland? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Nanjing or Auckland?

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nanjing and Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Auckland $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Auckland $198
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Auckland

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Auckland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nanjing


Hotels in Auckland


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Auckland $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
  • Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.47
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Auckland Airport Private Transfer: $81
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cruise Ship Terminal : $120
  • Airport Transfer: Auckland to Airport AKL by Business Car: $90
  • Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Car: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $115
  • Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer (Individuals and Groups): $109
  • Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland and Nanjing change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nanjing $49
    Auckland $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Auckland $27

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
  • Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
  • Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206

Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $119

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
  • Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
  • Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
  • Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission: $22
  • Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
  • Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
  • Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
  • Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland : $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Auckland $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nanjing is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Nanjing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Auckland?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Auckland, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Auckland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nanjing has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nanjing or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Auckland. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nanjing is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Auckland 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Aucklandin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Auckland 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Nanjing during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Auckland 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Auckland. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Nanjing is around the same temperature as Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Nanjing

Nanjing Auckland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)